Kora (harp-lute)
Musical Instrument / Sculptural Object; West African stringed instrument • Dialy Mady Cissoko (Maninka person, Bamako, Mali)
Style & Movement
Traditional West African (Mande) Art / Ethnomusicological contemporary innovation
Medium & Technique
Hand-carved wood, dried calabash gourd, stretched cowskin, nylon fishing line strings, iron rings, and modern metal guitar tuning pegs; crafted using traditional leather-binding and woodworking techniques integrated with modern electronics (pickup).
Creation Period
2003
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 120-130 cm in height; vertical orientation; three-dimensional sculptural form.
Subject Description
A 21-string kora, a complex harp-lute characteristic of the Mande people. The instrument consists of a large hemispherical resonator (gourd) covered with cowhide, a long hardwood neck, and two handposts. It represents the oral tradition of the Griots (Jeliw). This specific piece features modern innovations like an electronic pickup and mechanical tuning pegs.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; well-maintained as a functional museum exhibit.
Estimated Market Value
$2,500 - $5,000 (as a high-quality, artist-attributed professional instrument with provenance).
Auction Estimate
$1,500 - $3,500
Provenance History
Commissioned or acquired from the maker in Bamako, Mali; currently part of a museum collection (as evidenced by the display labels and multimedia setup).
Art Historical Significance
Highly significant as a bridge between traditional African craftsmanship and modern performance technology. It represents the evolution of the Griot caste's music-making in the 21st century. The Kora is the preeminent classical instrument of the Mande empire's descendants (Mali, Senegal, Gambia).
Notable Features
Includes a built-in electronic pickup for amplification and mechanical geared tuners, which replace the traditional leather tuning rings (konso), marking a significant departure from 19th-century designs.
Condition Issues
Natural variations in the hide surface; minor wear on the wooden handposts from handling/play; aging of nylon strings; slight tension-related stress on the bridge.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain stable humidity (45-55%) to prevent the gourd from cracking or the skin from loosening. Keep away from direct heat and UV light. Periodic string tension checks required if intended for display.